Complaint laid against Pumas

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Cape Town - Griquas have laid an official complaint against the Pumas who apparently fielded an ineligible player in their Vodacom Cup semi-final clash in Nelspruit last Friday.

According to the Volksblad website, Griquas are upset that the Pumas played Coenie van Wyk at fullback.

According to SA Rugby Union (SARU) regulations, Van Wyk was not allowed to play as he had already played too many Super Rugby games this season.

SARU regulations state that no player is allowed to play in a Vodacom Cup semi-final or final if he has already been part of a Super Rugby match-day squad on four or more occasions during the same season.

According to SARU's official website, Van Wyk was involved with the Lions' Super Rugby team on six occasions this year. Four times he came on as a substitute, while he started in two games.

Griquas won the game 15-14 to progress to a home final against the Golden Lions on Friday.

However, their CEO, Arni van Rooyen, said they still felt obliged to lay the complaint with SARU, as it was a case of principle.

Should the Pumas be found guilty, punishment could vary between a warning, a suspension for a number of matches, or in extreme cases a R1m fine or suspension from SARU membership.

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